"What is the Essence of Freedom? And Does Only What Lasts Have Value?"

"What is the Essence of Freedom? And Does Only What Lasts Have Value?"

Freedom is a concept that can be understood in various ways, encompassing physical, political, and moral aspects. In its physical sense, freedom refers to the absence of constraints and the ability to move and act spontaneously. However, this freedom is limited by the natural determinism that governs our existence. According to this scientific concept, every effect has a cause, and all phenomena obey natural laws, which oppose the idea of freedom.

In the political realm, freedom is first and foremost seen as independence from any form of power. It implies being one's own master, with a free city abiding by its own laws and a free individual obeying their own will. However, as Aristotle observed, humans are "political animals" who live in society. To be a free citizen, one must obey laws that are equal for all and reflect the will of the collective rather than individual selfishness. Only under these conditions can a citizen freely obey a law they have participated in creating, as Rousseau argued.

Moving on to the moral dimension, freedom requires assuming responsibility for one's actions and the ability to choose between good and evil, commonly known as free will. Responsibility implies being accountable for something before someone. One is only responsible for what is within their control. True freedom lies in an independent will, where one acts according to their own volition rather than the will of others. According to the Stoics, a free will can resist torture or tyranny by recognizing that freedom resides in the inner self, rather than the physical body. However, it is important to note that while we are free to desire what we want, our bodies and material possessions are subject to determinism. To remain free in the face of fate, we must detach our will from external goods beyond our control and focus on wanting what is within our reach.

Shifting gears, let us explore the question of whether only what lasts has value. Everything in the world, be it objects, beings, the consequences of actions, or lessons learned from experience, seems to be subject to the passage of time. This raises the question of whether we should prioritize things that endure longer.

However, the ephemeral can possess its own unique value. When something or someone is destined to disappear, their value lies in their uniqueness. This ephemeral value is derived from the very fact that it is fleeting. Its impermanence makes it precious and something to be cherished.

Furthermore, there are benefits to embracing change and forgetting. Nietzsche argues that holding on to what endures, especially through memory, can imprison us in time. This attachment to the past prevents us from living happily as we become unable to fully embrace the present. By living "at the threshold of the moment," we free ourselves from what lasts and open ourselves up to new creative perspectives.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to learn to appreciate the value of what lasts. According to Kierkegaard, the experience of love tests the endurance of value. The love between spouses faces an even greater internal threat: the daily routine, which can be worse than death itself. Conjugal love loses its sense of impossibility and becomes part of a stable and assured reality, potentially making it less desirable. The effort in conjugal love lies in recognizing that love for the other is a constant yet ever-renewed value. This effort, for Kierkegaard, carries a moral duty. We must find satisfaction in commitment not because we have no other choice, but because we continue to attribute value to what endures.

In conclusion, the essence of freedom encompasses physical, political, and moral dimensions. While physical freedom is limited by natural determinism, political freedom requires adherence to laws that reflect the collective will. Moral freedom relies on an independent will and the responsibility to choose between good and evil. Regarding the value of what lasts, while there is inherent worth in the ephemeral, it is important to appreciate the enduring aspects of life, such as long-lasting relationships. To further explore these concepts, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace change and live in the present: By letting go of attachments to what endures, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and creative perspectives.

• 2. Cherish the uniqueness of the ephemeral: Recognize that the fleeting nature of things and experiences can bring their own special value and meaning to our lives.

• 3. Appreciate the enduring aspects of life: While it is important to embrace change, it is equally important to find value in what lasts, such as long-lasting relationships, commitments, and personal growth.

By integrating these insights into our lives, we can navigate the complexities of freedom and the value of what lasts in a more meaningful and purposeful manner.